Symptoms of Myotonic Dystrophy
"...the most variable disorder known in medicine..."
- Prof. Peter S. Harper
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and type 2 (DM2) are inherited disorders that can affect multiple systems. The diseases can have highly variable clinical presentation, with symptoms such as skeletal and smooth muscle issues, heart conduction abnormalities, cataracts, gastrointestinal disturbances, and cognitive impairment.
The age of onset when symptoms first appear and the severity of symptoms experienced can vary greatly, even between members of the same family. Symptoms may be present at birth or not appear until old age. The disorder is progressive, with symptoms generally worsening slowly over time. As a result, the earlier the onset of symptoms, the greater the number of problems and the more severe the complications that are typically seen. However, prognosis is as variable as the symptoms of the disease. How the disease will affect any one person cannot be predicted with any accuracy.
Although there are many systems that can be affected, one individual is unlikely to exhibit all, or even most, symptoms. A patient with a mild form of DM may experience no symptoms other than cataracts or minor muscle weakness later in life. Individuals with a severe form may have reduced life expectancy due to a combination of neuromuscular, cardiac, and respiratory complications.
Click here to see Systems Affected by Myotonic Dystrophy.
Technical fact sheets which provide a more detailed description of the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment associated with each system affected by myotonic dystrophy are available by clicking here.